After Tale - Rising of the Shield Hero FF

After Tale - Chapter 3

Chapter 3 – Whatever you want

It's been 4 hours and our shield hero were back on his way to Rock Valley. He has been looking for a gift this long, and now he finally got one. He does not worry too much if Raphtalia likes it or not, he is just relieved that he managed to find one before the day ends.

"They are probably finished with preparing the celebration.", he told himself. He took a quick stop at the river. All the walking made him a bit sweaty, so he took most of his clothes off to wash himself. The water was very cold but clean. He sat down and let his body float in the river.

This felt very relaxing after all the stress Naofumi had today. A cracking sound were pulling him out of his relaxation. He looked to the source of the noise and he saw a little monster, similar to a goat. It was standing in front of his clothing that was laying in the grass. "Hey! Don't you dare...!"

The last thing he wanted was having to walk home in underwear only like a crazy alcoholic or something like that.

Suddenly the goat-like monster bared his long, sharp teeth and growled at him.

"What the- "

Out of reflex he used his attack shield prison to capture the monster. He quickly took his clothes and ran out of the creature's sight. Naofumi never saw a monster like this. Where did it come from?

He put his armor back on and moved on. He cannot come to late for the birthday party.

While Naofumi was still on his way back, many people came to help prepare everything for the evening. Seems like even in this world the 18th birthday is something special.

Everything is finished, only the birthday girl remains. Everyone brought over some gifts. It didn't take too long until Melty and Raphtalia came back too.

As soon as they stepped into the village, everyone cheered at them.

"Happy Birthday, Raphtalia-chan!!"

Everyone was looking at her with big eyes. She wore a beautiful kimono that stood in contrast with her hair and eyes. The hairstyle was a Japanese-like updo, with the hairpin she just got in it.

She blushed a lot in front of the cheers and had a wide smile on her face. Today is the day where she is the middle point. She probably only felt so much appreciated a few times in her life. She's glad what she and her friends managed to build up together. It felt like family.

Though, Raphtalia felt like there was something missing. "Rishia-chan, do you know where Naofumi-sama is?", she asked. "He didn't come back until now. Maybe we should go look for him!"

"Filo wants to come too!"

"Rafu~" the little tanuki Raph-chan jumped into Rishia's arms.

"Okay. Melty-chan, can you stay here and give the other guests some company until we are back?" the green haired girl (=Rishia) asked the queen.

Raphtalia begins to worry. Where did Naofumi-sama went? Why is he taking so long? Is he hurt?

She knows best how strong he is, but he promised her that they will celebrate together.

Right as they wanted to set off, a shadow came out of the woods. It was the shield hero.

"Naofumi-sama!"

Raphtalia ran to him. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?" "I'm fine Raphtalia. I was surprised by a monster when I walked alongside the river."

Filo and the other ran to him too. "Master's back!" Filo squeaked. Naofumi pat her head. "Now calm down everyone. It took a little longer than expected. But I'm here in the end."